After nearly a month away, it appears Josh Ferguson is set to make a return for Illinois. Probably.
On the official injury report released ahead of Saturday’s game against Purdue, Ferguson is listed as probable to play this weekend. Ferguson sustained an injury to his right shoulder in the first quarter of the Week 6 game against Nebraska and hasn’t played since, missing the last three games because of the issue.
Coincidentally or not, the Illini are 4-1 with Ferguson on the field this season, 0-3 without him.
Prior to the injury and through the first five games, Ferguson’s 381 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns and 5.4 yards per carry were all tops on the team. He’s added 12 receptions for 28 yards and another touchdown coming out of the backfield.
Ferguson’s backup, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, now stands as the Illini’s leading rusher with 485 yards. He also has four touchdowns on the ground.